He is an actor who many consider to be the greatest in the English-speaking world during the twentieth century. Though Sir Laurence Olivier was based mostly in England, he made a significant number of Hollywood films. He was nominated for Academy Awards as either an actor, producer or director twelve times, winning twice, while also being honored with two special Oscars. In his long and versatile career, Olivier appeared in more than 120 stage roles, nearly 60 films and more than 15 television productions.
As a sought after actor, Olivier heeded the call to Hollywood again and was considerably more successful. He starred as Heathclifff in the scintillating romance, Wuthering Heights (1939), and became an international matinee idol. He followed that hit with several others, including Rebecca and That Hamilton Woman. Olivier's most productive period came from directing and producing. He did this, while also starring in Henry V (1944) and Hamlet (1948). He won Best Film and Best Actor awards for Hamlet from the Academy. No matter what country has produced his films, Olivier remains an international star whose talent belongs to all nations.
Burdened by ill health for more than a decade, Olivier fought cancer and other ailments while working at a furious pace. He was knighted in 1947, and in 1970 he was made "Baron Olivier of Brighton," for services to the theater, which allowed him to sit in the House of the Lords. If that wasn't enough, in 1981 he was given the Order of Merit. In America, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences bestowed its version of knighthood on "Lord Larry," awarding him a special Oscar "for the full body of his work, the unique achievement of his entire career and his lifetime of contribution to the art of film.
source..www.laurenceolivier.com
2 comments:
I HAVE BEEN A GREAT FAN OF Laurence Olivier since I saw him on TV in the early 60's in his wonderful production of Richard 111. I then went to see his other Shakespeare films of Henry v and Hamlet. I wrote to him and he replyed and sent me two photos one of him as Richard 111 and one of him as himself. The photos got lost in a move but I STILL HAVE THE LETTERS GLAD TO SAY. cAROLE Heath wallington Surrey.
I have left two previous comments on Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier, a big fan of them both. If there are any other fans of both Larry and Viv would you like to e-mail me at jaheath@blueyonder.co.uk genuine fans only.
Carole Heath.
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